2018 Chateau Mouton Rothschild Aile d'Argent

Château Mouton Rothschild is an icon of Pauillac. This legendary estate combines a rich history, unique terroir, and wines that belong to the very top worldwide. A name that fascinates wine lovers and collectors generation after generation.

History of Château Mouton Rothschild

In 1853, Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild bought the Château Brane-Mouton estate in Pauillac and renamed it Château Mouton Rothschild. His aim was to serve his own wine to his distinguished guests. In 1922, his great-grandson Philippe de Rothschild took over. Two years later, he decided that all wines should be bottled at the château itself — a revolutionary move in Bordeaux at the time. In 1973, Château Mouton Rothschild was officially promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé, the only change ever made to the famous 1855 classification.

Later, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild took the helm. She modernized the estate and in 1962 opened a museum on the property. After her passing in 2014, the château came under the leadership of her children Camille, Philippe Sereys de Rothschild, and Julien de Beaumarchais, keeping it very much a family affair.

Location and terroir in Pauillac

Château Mouton Rothschild is located in Pauillac, at the heart of the Médoc, close to the Gironde estuary. The vineyards benefit from the mild maritime climate and the protection of the nearby Les Landes forest. The soil is made up of gravel over layers of clay and limestone. This unique combination delivers powerful yet elegant wines with great ageing potential.

Pauillac itself is one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious appellations. The village is home to three Premier Grands Crus Classés: Château Latour, Château Lafite Rothschild, and of course Château Mouton Rothschild.

Grapes and winemaking at Château Mouton Rothschild

The estate covers about 90 hectares of vineyards. Plantings are dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up more than eighty percent. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a small portion of Petit Verdot complete the blend. Together they provide wines with depth, structure, and complexity.

The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully selected. In the impressive cellars, they are vinified in modern oak vats, with each parcel treated separately. This ensures that the character of each plot can fully express itself in the final wine.

Special wines from the estate

Alongside the Grand Vin, the château also produces a second wine: Le Petit Mouton. Made from younger vines, it is approachable earlier in its life. There is also a white wine, Aile d’Argent, crafted from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Sauvignon Gris, and a touch of Muscadelle. Fresh, aromatic, and released only in small quantities.

Another signature of Château Mouton Rothschild is the label art. Since 1945, a world-renowned artist has been commissioned each year to design a unique label. Names such as Picasso, Miró, and Warhol have all contributed, making these bottles true collector’s items.

Key facts to remember

• Château Mouton Rothschild is the only estate ever promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé.
• The estate houses its own wine museum, celebrating the link between wine and art.
• The second wine Le Petit Mouton and the white Aile d’Argent are highly sought after by enthusiasts.
• The iconic labels are redesigned each year by major artists and are famous worldwide.

Order Château Mouton Rothschild online?

At Grandcruwijnen you can safely order Château Mouton Rothschild and the estate’s other wines online. All bottles are stored in a temperature-controlled Wine Warehouse. Prefer to pick up your wines yourself? Then you’ll enjoy an instant discount, which becomes visible at checkout when you select ‘Pickup’.